Hey Guys,

      I have a 97 Chevy Z-71, 350.  I am having a problem with it running hotter than the norm.  It usually runs around 160-185. Now it is running around 200-210.  If you turn the heat to full blast it will cool down to where it usually is.  Maintence is pulled whenever the book says.  It has a new fan clutch, thermostat, heater core, and the system has been flushed.  I am running out of ideas.  Has anyone ran across this before?  What could it be, sensor, water pump, or a partially stopped up radiator?  Any help would be great.  Please post or e-mail me any help at REDNECK4X4N@AOL.COM.  Thanks

can't hurt to take the radiator in to a shop and have it boil flushed. i've done that to my 28 year old cj. (new radiator now though) it's pretty easy to get the radiator out and take it in to have it looked at, even if that's not the problem. it may be a temp sensor, sending unit, thermostat, gauge, etc. especially on a truck that new. your chilton should have test procedures for the sensors and stuff. if you play in the mud, the radiator may just be filled with it.  

the radiator may be plugged, timing could be off (this will effect more than over heating), head gasket problem ( have it pressure tested)

If you are running with a 195 degree thermostat, the 200-210 temp is normal ( normally 5 - 10% of thermostat rating ) any higher is a problem.

don't overlook the tranny, small amount of slippage makes lots of heat (if an auto).  

You might try to check the lower radiator hose. Some came with a spring inside of them. If that spring slipped slightly out of the hose it will cause this. Another thing is if you bought the thermostat from Advanced Auto, or Auto Zone replace it with one from Napa. I have got more bad new thermostats from Those places than I can shake a stick at.